As the sun sets earlier and the winds get harsher, it’s that time of year when we start to transition from fall to winter. With this transition, it’s important to do more than just bundle up. Here are seven tips to keep your energy up when the winter slows you down.
- ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
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The short days can easily throw off your internal rhythm and make you feel more tired than usual. This is why it is important to not only create a routine, but to stick to it. It doesn’t have to be anything rigorous or unrealistic, but just something that adds predictability to your life.
One way this can look is by like going to sleep and waking up at the same time and giving yourself scheduled breaks throughout the day.
- GET AS MUCH NATURAL LIGHT AS POSSIBLE
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When the sun sets before dinner, it can be tempting to stay inside and lose track of the daylight hours. But it is extremely important to not give into this and get out as much as you can.Â
Even a short walk outside, opening your blinds first thing in the morning or sitting near a window while you study can help regulate your sleep cycle and improve your focus. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply giving yourself more exposure to sunlight when the days feel short.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LOVED ONES
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Isolation intensifies winter fatigue, so staying connected matters. Make time for the people who bring you comfort whether that’s your roommates, close friends or family back home.
A quick FaceTime call, grabbing coffee after class or studying together in the library can ground you when the semester feels overwhelming. Social support is one of the best antidotes to seasonal stress.
- REWARD YOURSELF
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Motivation tends to dip when the weather turns cold, which makes positive reinforcement essential. Build rewards into your routine: something small like a favorite snack after finishing an assignment, or a bigger treat after a demanding week.
Psychologists note that incentives, even minor ones, can increase productivity and help you push through mentally draining stretches.
- PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE
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Winter can magnify burnout, so maintaining a self-care routine isn’t just optional, it’s also protective. That might mean sticking to a skincare routine, journaling, setting boundaries around work or giving yourself permission to rest.
Self-care isn’t about indulgence. It’s about recognizing your limits and creating space to recharge so you can stay mentally balanced throughout the season.
- MOVE YOUR BODY
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Physical activity remains one of the simplest ways to boost energy during the winter slump. Movement doesn’t have to be intense. It can look like stretching in your room, taking a brisk walk between classes or following a short workout video all count.
Regular movement increases circulation, improves mood and helps combat lethargy when cold weather tempts you to stay still.
- MAKE REGULAR PLANS
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Having something to look forward to can break the monotony of winter. Schedule small, manageable plans throughout the week such as coffee dates, club meetings, movie nights or weekend study sessions.
Routine social and academic check-ins help structure your time and prevent the “winter drag” from taking over. Consistency gives you momentum when motivation is harder to find.
The winter is not just a time to deal with the cold. It also calls for an adjustment to your lifestyle, and I hope these tips help you through that process.